College of Business

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business History

Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is a public, coeducational institution. The 320-acre campus is located in a suburban area 25 miles west of Detroit. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 24,000. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business was founded in 1974 and is located in its own building. Courses also are offered at Corporate Education Center, Ypsilanti (weekday MBA) and Livonia (weekend MBA). The basic educational approach is a combination of state-of-the-art tools, concepts, and theory for practical application. An international perspective is provided throughout.

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS), and Master of Science in Human Resource/Organizational Development (MSHR/OD). Other programs include internships, work-study programs, and foreign exchange with Germany, Spain, France, and India. The strongest areas of study are information systems, accounting, and human resource management/organizational development. The most popular courses are finance, management, international, and information systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. They include executive management seminars, executive-in-residence-taught courses, the President’s Executive Strategy course, and the Center for Strategic Studies.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Techniques in Business Research
• Managerial Economics
• Administrative Controls
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Financial Administration
• Marketing Problems
• Management Communications
• Management Strategy and Policy

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by substituting in the business functional area.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 2 years; maximum, 3 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 3 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 60 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold a doctorate; there are 4 part-time faculty, 3 of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are related above average for category llA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 21.

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 600,000 volumes and 500,000 microform items, and subscribes to 5400 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a VAX mainframe and more than 100 PCs.

Career and Job Placement

In spring of a recent year, 100 companies recruited on campus. Forty percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were accounting and human resources. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $48,000; range was $32,500 to $85,000. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office. Twenty-five percent of a recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL, the Comprehensive English Language Test, or the college’s own test. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry is May 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are work experience, grades in upper-level courses, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by corporate career fairs, the Black MBA Association, and the University Graduate School Minority Recruitment Program.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $35, and a personal statement. The application deadlines are May 15 for fall entry; November 15, winter; March 15, spring; April 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 4-6 weeks of receiving a completed application. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 year from date of acceptance.

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 65% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships. Stipends and programs available for minority students include graduate assistantships. The GAPSFAS and the school’s own financial statement are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition and fees for in-state residents total approximately $5908 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $11,364 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $8374. Graduate student housing includes on-campus apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Eastern Michigan University, College of Business Students

Fifteen percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 91% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Michigan (62%). Fifty-two percent are women, 12% are minorities, and 37% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 21 to 48. Eighteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 41%, business; 25%, engineering; 18%, liberal arts; 6%, math and science; 6%, social sciences; and 4%, economics. About 24% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 61% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 149 graduate business degrees were awarded.